Solar energy
Solar energy is any type of energy generated by the sun. It is the second most installed renewable energy source in the world.
The most common method of harnessing solar energy is photovoltaic cells and panels technology. These arrays typically consist of solar panels, each made up of dozens or even hundreds of solar cells. Each solar cell contains a semiconductor, usually silicon. When the semiconductor absorbs sunlight, it frees electrons. An electrical field directs these electrons into a one-way electric current. Metal contacts on the top and bottom of the cell guide this current to an external device, which could range from a small solar-powered calculator to a large-scale power station 1.
Solar panels can be installed on smaller scale by fixing them on the roofs of structures providing electricity to those structures or on larger scale supplying electricity to homes, businesses, schools and hospitals. The largest solar power stations are in the United States, India and China.
Due to increased electricity charges, there has been a massive installation of solar PVs in Ireland. The Irish government has played a huge part in facilitating this process by making several policy changes involved in the planning process. For example, homeowners and businesses can install as many solar PVs as they want without seeking permission from the government, reducing the time it takes to have them installed. The government has also subsidized the cost of installations by removing VAT on solar PVs installed on private dwellings2, making installation affordable. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)3 also offers grants to homeowners reducing the installation costs.
Additionally, the government came up with the Schools Photovoltaic (PV) Program4, which is an initiative aimed at integrating renewable energy solutions within the education sector. The program’s primary goal is to install solar pv panels in schools across Ireland, harnessing solar energy to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
One of the major challenges with solar energy is solar intermittency. The sun is not visible for 24 hours a day hence solar power users need other power sources to use after sunset, and utilities5 cannot rely on solar alone to provide electricity for their customers 6.
Next: Wind energy
Footnotes
A utility company is one that supplies something such as electricity, gas, or water to the public↩︎